Fungal Dermatoses in Canines: Integrating Cytology, Epidemiological Pattern and Therapeutic Response

Abstract

Background: Canine dermatological disorders commonly involve fungal pathogens such as dermatophytes and Malassezia, with potential zoonotic implications. Their prevalence varies with environmental and host factors, remaining a significant concern in clinical practice. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological patterns, clinical presentations, diagnostic findings, and therapeutic outcomes of fungal dermatitis in canine. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Veterinary Clinical Complex, DGCN, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur (H.P.), from February 2021 to April 2022. Methodology: Forty dogs presenting with dermatological signs suggestive of fungal infection underwent detailed clinical examination, including lesion distribution and its nature. Diagnostic confirmation involved lesion-specific cytology (tape impressions, glass slide impressions, and wet swabs stained with Giemsa) and Wood’s lamp examination performed in a dark room after pre-warming the lamp. Therapeutic management consisted of oral ketoconazole combined with topical antifungal therapy until clinical resolution was achieved. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics only (percentages); no inferential statistical analysis or hypothesis testing was conducted. Results: Pruritus (75%), alopecia (62.5%), scaling (60%), and erythema (37.5%) were the predominant clinical signs. German Shepherds (22.5%) and mongrels (20%) were most commonly affected, with males (67.5%) over-represented. Sixty percent of cases occurred during the monsoon season. Cytology revealed Malassezia pachydermatis (10–20 organisms/HPF) in 27 dogs (67.5%), while Wood’s lamp fluorescence was noted in 13 dogs (32.5%). All 40 dogs achieved complete clinical and cytological resolution by day 28 with combined systemic and topical antifungal therapy. Conclusion: Lesion-tailored cytology served as a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective diagnostic tool for canine fungal dermatitis, predominantly driven by Malassezia. Combined oral ketoconazole and topical therapy resulted in complete resolution within 4 weeks. This study is limited by its single-centre design and reliance exclusively on cytological diagnosis.